Opposition's Sharad Pawar play to take on BJP; like-minded parties mull Maha alliance for 2019

The Congress-NCP Opposition, along with like-minded parties in Maharashtra, have in principle agreed to work together to put up a united fight against BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha and assembly elections, exploiting the "growing disenchantment" against the ruling party. Besides the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), BJP's former ally Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, Communist Party of India (Marxist) — to mention a few — have said that the Constitution Bachao (Save Constitution) rally, organised on the Republic Day in Mumbai, was a beginning to forge a grand alliance against BJP in Maharashtra and at the national level.

NCP president Sharad Pawar clarified that his party will not join hands with either BJP or Shiv Sena and has announced that these parties will meet in Delhi on January 29 to decided future line of action, including organising joint rallies, agitations and tours across Maharashtra and also other states. These parties will soon organise a debate on protection of Constitution in New Delhi in the presence of parliamentarians, leading Constitutional experts and lawyers. Besides, in Maharashtra, they will hold a 'Save Progressive Maharashtra' rally in Kolhapur, which was ruled by Rajasrhi Shahu Maharaj, who was credited with doing much to further the lot of the lower castes. Similar rallies will be convened in other key districts including Nagpur, Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik.

Former chief ministers and veteran Congress leaders Prithviraj Chavan and Ashok Chavan have said the party is in favour of working with other like minded parties including NCP in a bid to provide a formidable alternative to BJP in Maharashtra.

"Congress high command will take a formal decision on pre-poll alliance. However, Congress will work with other opposition and like-minded parties against BJP on a couple of issues such as farmers plight, BJP's divide and rule on communal lines and deteriorating law and order and state finances,'' Ashok Chavan told DNA. He informed that Congress party on its own has also launched state-wide campaign against BJP-led government by reaching out to the voters.

NCP group leader in the state assembly and former minister Jayant Patil said the time is quite opportune for opposition unity against BJP who wants to be in power by pitting castes and communities against each other. "Farmers are seriously disappointed with the poor implementation of much discussed crop loan waiver in Maharashtra. They are displeased with the government's inaction to provide minimum support price, create jobs and control inflation. This apart, BJP stands exposed especially the manner in which Koregaon Bhima incident was handled. Therefore, opposition is in strong wicket to strongly take on BJP in the state,'' he noted.

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana spokesman Yogesh Pande said his party was at the forefront to bring all like-minded parties against BJP. "Our party is quite concerned over the BJP government's neglect towards farmers. The demonetisation and GST have added to farmers' woes but the BJP is not doing enough to provide them relief,'' he added.

Allies Turn Foes

• BJP’s former ally Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana spokesman Yogesh Pande said his party will bring all like-minded parties against BJP. 
• While NCP leader Pawar has come clear on his stand towards BJP, the latter’s ally Shiv Sena is also mulling to break ranks.